‘Sons of Anarchy’ Is Blamed for the Rise of Motorcycle Gangs in Canada

Who says that television doesn’t create real-world change? According to The Wrap, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) are blaming FX’s Sons of Anarchy for the rise of motorcycle gangs in Nova Scotia.

Constable Scott Morrison of the Criminal Intelligence Service of Nova Scotia pointed to the popular crime drama during a recent presentation to the Board of Police Commissioners. “I can tell you that it’s growing, ever since the phenomenon of Sons of Anarchy,” he said. “Where that television show has seemed to almost socialize outlaw motorcycle gang life, more people want to join that life, think it’s a brotherhood, think the camaraderie is there, based on the television show, and they’re joining up.”

Constable Mike Carter took Sons of Anarchy‘s influence a bit further, saying “People look at that and they think, ‘Oh that’s an attractive lifestyle. They’re making money, riding their bikes, they’re doing this, they don’t have any problems with anyone.'”

Running from 2008 to 2014, Sons of Anarchy was partially a crime thriller about motorcycle gangs, partially a Shakespearian drama. The series followed Jax Teller (Charlie Hunnam), a single father whose loyalty to his motorcycle gang is tested as the club becomes more lawless. Much of the series explored the good and bad sides of the gang, examining both SAMCRO’s (the main motorcycle club) dedication to keeping drug dealers away and the gang’s own illegal arms business. The show also used the gang at its center to explore themes of community and self-transformation. The series was FX’s most watched show while it was on the air.

But it sounds like some people are taking the wrong lessons from Sons of Anarchy, which is basically Hamlet but with motorcycles. Nobody tell them about the Mayans MC spinoff.

Where to stream Sons of Anarchy